Dwight Eisenhower in Pres. Eisenhower's State of the Union speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Eliminate the deficit and check the menace of inflation
[The US has an] inescapable need for economic health and strength if we are to maintain adequate military power and exert influential leadership for peace in the world. Our immediate task is to chart a fiscal and economic policy that can:-
Reduce the planned deficits and then balance the budget, which means, among other things, reducing Federal expenditures to the safe minimum;
- Meet the huge costs of our defense;
- Properly handle the burden of our inheritance of debt and obligations;
- Check the menace of inflation;
- Work toward the earliest possible reduction of the tax burden;
- Make constructive plans to encourage the initiative of our citizens.
The first order of business is the elimination of the annual deficit.
This cannot be achieved merely by exhortation. It demands the concerted action of all those in responsible positions in the Government and the earnest cooperation of the Congress.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Corporations:
Replace wage and price controls with free-market prices
I do not intend to ask for a renewal of the present wage and price controls on April 30, 1953, when present legislation expires. In the meantime, steps will be taken to eliminate controls in an orderly manner, and to terminate special agencies no longer
needed for this purpose. It is obviously to be expected that the removal of these controls will result in individual price changes--some up, some down. But a maximum of freedom in market prices as well as in collective bargaining is characteristic of
a truly free people.I believe also that material and product controls should be ended, except with respect to defense priorities and scarce and critical items essential for our defense.
I recommend the continuance of the authority for Federal
control over rents in those communities in which serious housing shortages exist. These are chiefly the so-called defense areas. In these and all areas the Federal Government should withdraw from the control of rents as soon as practicable.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Foreign Policy:
Mutual security means mutual cooperation against Communism
Since the victory of 1945, we anticipated a world of peace and cooperation. The calculated pressures of aggressive communism have forced us, instead, to live in a world of turmoil. This administration has, therefore, begun the definition of a new,
positive foreign policy. This policy will be governed by certain fixed ideas. They are these:- Our foreign policy must be clear, consistent, and confident.
- The policy we embrace must be a coherent global policy.
- Our policy, dedicated to
making the free world secure, will envision all peaceful methods and devices--except breaking faith with our friends.
- The policy we pursue will recognize the truth that no single country, even one so powerful as ours, can alone defend the liberty of
all nations threatened by Communist aggression from without or subversion within. Mutual security means effective mutual cooperation.
- Our policy will be designed to foster the advent of practical unity in Western Europe.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Free Trade:
Foreign policy should recognize importance of world trade
Our foreign policy will recognize the importance of profitable and equitable world trade. Europe is now marked by checkered areas of labor surplus and labor shortage, of agricultural areas needing machines and industrial areas needing food. Action along
these lines can create an economic environment that will invite vital help from us. This help includes:- Revising our customs regulations to remove procedural obstacles to profitable trade.
- Doing whatever Government properly can to encourage
the flow of private American investment abroad.
- Availing ourselves of facilities overseas for the economical production of manufactured articles which are needed for mutual defense and which are not seriously competitive with our own normal
peacetime production.
- Receiving from the rest of the world, in equitable exchange for what we supply, greater amounts of important raw materials which we do not ourselves possess in adequate quantities.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Homeland Security:
Supply states for civil defense preparedness
While retaliatory power is one strong deterrent to a would-be aggressor, another powerful deterrent is defensive power. No enemy is likely to attempt an attack foredoomed to failure. Because the building of a completely impenetrable defense against
attack is still not possible, total defensive strength must include civil defense preparedness. Because we have incontrovertible evidence that Soviet Russia possesses atomic weapons, this kind of protection becomes sheer necessity.
Civil defense responsibilities primarily belong to the State and local governments--recruiting, training, and organizing volunteers to meet any emergency. The immediate job of the Federal Government is
to provide leadership, to supply technical guidance, and to continue to strengthen its civil defense stockpile of medical, engineering, and related supplies and equipment. This work must go forward without lag.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Immigration:
Change immigration quotas to be less discriminatory
There is one sphere in which civil rights are inevitably involved in Federal legislation. This is the sphere of immigration.It is a manifest right of our Government to limit the number of immigrants our Nation can absorb. It is also a manifest right
of our Government to set reasonable requirements on the character and the numbers of the people who come to share our land and our freedom. It is well for us, however, to remind ourselves occasionally of an equally manifest fact: we are--one and all--
immigrants or sons and daughters of immigrants.
Existing legislation contains injustices. It does, in fact, discriminate. I am informed that it was realized, at the time of its enactment, that future study of the basis of determining quotas would
be necessary.
I am therefore requesting the Congress to review this legislation and to enact a statute that will at one and the same time guard our legitimate national interests and be faithful to our basic ideas of freedom and fairness to all.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Social Security:
Extend benefits to millions of citizens left out of system
This administration is profoundly aware of two great needs born of our living in a complex industrial economy. First, the individual citizen must have safeguards against personal disaster inflicted by forces beyond his control; second, the welfare of the
people demands effective and economical performance by the Government of certain indispensable social services.There is urgent need for greater effectiveness in our programs, both public and private, offering safeguards against the privations that too
often come with unemployment, old age, illness, and accident. The provisions of the old-age and survivors insurance law should promptly be extended to cover millions of citizens who have been left out of the social-security system. No less important is
the encouragement of privately sponsored pension plans. Most important of all, of course, is renewed effort to check the inflation which destroys so much of the value of all social-security payments.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On War & Peace:
War in Korea part of worldwide Communist aggression
The war in Korea is, for Americans, the most painful phase of Communist aggression throughout the world. It is clearly a part of the same calculated assault that the aggressor is simultaneously pressing in Indochina and in Malaya, and of the strategic
situation that manifestly embraces the island of Formosa and the Chinese Nationalist forces there. The working out of any military solution to the Korean War will inevitably affect all these areas.
The administration is giving immediate increased attention to the development of additional Republic of Korea forces. The citizens of that country have proved their capacity as fighting men and their eagerness to take a greater share in the
defense of their homeland. Organization, equipment, and training will allow them to do so. Increased assistance to Korea for this purpose conforms fully to our global policies.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union message
Feb 2, 1953
On Civil Rights:
Segregation in federal activities is on the way out
During the year, creation of the new Cabinet Department of Health, Education, and Welfare symbolized the government's permanent concern with the human problems of our citizens.Segregation in the armed forces and other Federal activities is on
the way out. We have also made progress toward its elimination in the District of Columbia. These are steps in the continuing effort to eliminate inter-racial difficulty.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1954 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1954
On Civil Rights:
Segregation in federal activities is on the way out
During the year, creation of the new Cabinet Department of Health, Education, and Welfare symbolized the government's permanent concern with the human problems of our citizens.Segregation in the armed forces and other Federal activities is on
the way out. We have also made progress toward its elimination in the District of Columbia. These are steps in the continuing effort to eliminate inter-racial difficulty.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1954 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1954
On Environment:
Protect and improve our national forests, parks, & fisheries
Part of our Nation's precious heritage is its natural resources. New projects in which the Federal Government has a part must be economically sound, with local sharing of cost wherever appropriate and feasible. The Federal Government will continue to
construct and operate economically sound flood control, power, irrigation and water supply projects wherever these projects are beyond the capacity of local initiative, public or private, and consistent with the needs of the whole Nation.
Recommendations will be made for the adoption of:- A uniform and consistent water resources policy;
- A revised public lands policy; and
- A sound program for safeguarding the domestic production of critical and strategic metals and minerals.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1954 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1954
On Government Reform:
Lower the voting age to 18
For years our citizens between the ages of 18 and 21 have, in time of peril, been summoned to fight for America.
They should participate in the political process that produces this fateful summons. I urge Congress to propose to the States a constitutional amendment permitting citizens to vote when they reach the age of 18.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1954 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1954
On Health Care:
Private plans instead of socialization of medicine
I am flatly opposed to the socialization of medicine. The great need for hospital and medical services can best be met by the initiative of private plans. But it is unfortunately a fact that medical costs are rising and already impose severe hardships
on many families. The Federal Government can do many helpful things and still carefully avoid the socialization of medicine.The Federal Government should encourage medical research in its battle with such mortal diseases as cancer and heart ailments,
and should continue to help the states in their health and rehabilitation programs.
A limited Government reinsurance service would permit the private and non-profit insurance companies to offer broader protection to more of the many families
which want and should have it. On January 18 I shall forward to the Congress a special message presenting this Administration's health program in its detail.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1954 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1954
On Tax Reform:
Reduce taxes because we reduced spending
The new budget provides for a lower level of taxation than has prevailed in preceding years: 6 days ago individual income taxes were reduced and the excess profits tax expired. These tax reductions are justified only because of the substantial reductions
we already have made and are making in governmental expenditures. As additional reductions in expenditures are brought gradually but surely into sight, further reductions in taxes can and will be made. When budget savings and sound governmental financing
are assured, tax burdens should be reduced so that taxpayers may spend their own money in their own way.While we are moving toward lower levels of taxation we must thoroughly revise our whole tax system. The groundwork for this revision has already
been laid by Congress. We should now remove the more glaring tax inequities, particularly on small taxpayers; reduce restraints on the growth of small business; and make other changes that will encourage initiative, enterprise and production.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1954 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1954
On Homeland Security:
Ferret out and to destroy Communist subversion at home
In our aggressive attack on subversion at home, we have, in the past two years, made excellent progress. FBI investigations have been powerfully reinforced by a new Internal Security Division in the Department of Justice; the security activities of the
Immigration and Naturalization Service have been revitalized; an improved and strengthened security system is in effect throughout the government; the Department of Justice and the FBI have been armed with effective new legal weapons.
We shall continue to ferret out and to destroy Communist subversion.
We shall, in the process, carefully preserve our traditions and the basic rights of our citizens.
Our civil defense program is also a key element in the protection of our country.
We are developing cooperative methods with State Governors, Mayors, and voluntary citizen groups, as well as among Federal agencies, in building the civil defense organization.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1955 State of the Union message
Jan 6, 1955
On Jobs:
Increase minimum wage to 90 cents per hour; and expand it
The outlook for our wage earners can be made more promising by several legislative actions.- In the past five years we have had economic growth which will support an increase in the Federal minimum wage. In the light of present economic conditions,
I recommend its increase to ninety cents an hour. I also recommend that many others, at present excluded, be given the protection of a minimum wage.
- I renew my recommendation of last year for amendment of the Labor Management Relations Act.
I especially call to the attention of the Congress amendments dealing with the right of economic strikers to vote in representation elections and the need for equalizing the obligation under the Act to file disclaimers of Communist affiliation.
-
The Administration will propose other important measures including occupational safety, workmen's compensation for longshoremen and harbor workers, and the "Eight Hour Laws" applicable to Federal contractors.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1955 State of the Union message
Jan 6, 1955
On Principles & Values:
To grow and flourish people must be free
I believe it would be well to remind ourselves of this great fundamental in our national life: our common belief that every human being is divinely endowed with dignity and worth and inalienable rights. This faith, with its corollary--that to grow and
flourish people must be free--shapes the interests and aspirations of every American. From this deep faith have evolved three main purposes of our Federal Government:- To maintain justice and freedom among ourselves and to champion them for
others so that we may work effectively for enduring peace;
- To help keep our economy vigorous and expanding, thus sustaining our international strength and assuring better jobs, better living, better opportunities for every citizen;
- And to concern
ourselves with the human problems of our people so that every American may have the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive and rewarding life.
Foremost among these broad purposes of government is our support of freedom, justice and peace.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1955 State of the Union message
Jan 6, 1955
On Technology:
National Highway Program to meet economic & security needs
A modern, efficient highway system is essential to meet the needs of our growing population, our expanding economy, and our national security. We are accelerating our highway improvement program as rapidly as possible. However, this effort will not in
itself assure our people of an adequate highway system. On my recommendation, this problem has been carefully considered by the Conference of State Governors and by a special Advisory Committee on a National Highway Program. In further recognition
of the importance of transportation to our economic strength and security, the Administration is thoroughly examining existing Federal transportation policies to determine their effect on the adequacy of transportation services. This is the first such
comprehensive review directly undertaken by the Executive Branch of the government in modern times. We are studying closely the inter-relationships of civilian and government requirements for transportation.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1955 State of the Union message
Jan 6, 1955
On Budget & Economy:
Danger of inflation if government is profligate
Our economy is strong, expanding, and fundamentally sound. But in any realistic appraisal, even the optimistic analyst will realize that in a prosperous period the principal threat to efficient functioning of a free enterprise system is inflation.
We look back on four years of prosperous activities during which prices, the cost of living, have been relatively stable--that is, inflation has been held in check. But it is clear that the danger is always present, particularly if the government
might become profligate in its expenditures or private groups might ignore all the possible results on our economy of unwise struggles for immediate gain.
This danger requires a firm resolution that the Federal Government shall utilize only a prudent share of the Nation's resources, that it shall live within its means, carefully measuring against need alternative proposals for expenditures.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1957 State of the Union message
Jan 10, 1957
On Civil Rights:
Create civil rights division in the Department of Justice
We have much reason to be proud of the progress our people are making in mutual understanding--the chief buttress of human and civil rights. Steadily we are moving closer to the goal of fair & equal treatment of citizens without regard to race or color.
But unhappily much remains to be done. Last year the Administration recommended to the Congress a four-point program to reinforce civil rights. That program included:
- creation of a bipartisan commission to investigate asserted violations of civil rights and to make recommendations;
- creation of a civil rights division in the Department of Justice in charge of an Assistant Attorney General;
- enactment by the Congress of new laws to aid in the enforcement of voting rights; and
- amendment of the laws so as to permit the Federal Government to seek from the civil courts preventive relief in civil rights cases.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1957 State of the Union message
Jan 10, 1957
On Foreign Policy:
The world has shrunk; interests now interdependent worldwide
The world has so shrunk that all free nations are our neighbors. Without cooperative neighbors, the US cannot maintain its own security and welfare, because:- America's vital interests are world-wide, embracing both hemispheres and every continent.
- We have community of interest with every nation in the free world.
- Interdependence of interests requires a decent respect for the rights and the peace of all peoples.
These principles motivate our actions within the UN. There, before all the
world, by our loyalty to them, by our practice of them, let us strive to set a standard to which all who seek justice can rally.May we at home, in all the cities & farmlands of America, support these principles in a personal effort of dedication.
Thereby each of us can help establish a secure world order in which opportunity for freedom and justice will be more widespread, and in which the resources now dissipated on the armaments of war can be released for the life and growth of all humanity.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1957 State of the Union message
Jan 10, 1957
On Free Trade:
As greatest trading nation, extend Trade Agreements Act
Both in our national interest, and in the interest of world peace, we must have a five-year extension of the Trade Agreements Act with broadened authority to negotiate.World trade supports a significant segment of American industry and agriculture.
It provides employment for four and one-half million American workers. It helps supply our ever increasing demand for raw materials. It provides the opportunity for American free enterprise to develop on a worldwide scale.
It strengthens our friends and increases their desire to be friends. World trade helps to lay the groundwork for peace by making all free nations of the world stronger and more self-reliant.
America is today the world's greatest trading nation.
If we use this great asset wisely to meet the expanding demands of the world, we shall not only provide future opportunities for our own business, but in the process strengthen our security posture and other prospects for a prosperous, harmonious world.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1958 State of the Union message
Jan 9, 1958
On Health Care:
Science for Peace: eradicate malaria by world cooperation
We now have it within our power to eradicate from the face of the earth that age-old scourge of mankind: malaria. We are embarking with other nations in an all-out five-year campaign to blot out this curse forever. We invite the Soviets to join with us
in this great work of humanity.Indeed, we would be willing to pool our efforts with the Soviets in other campaigns against the diseases that are the common enemy of all mortals--such as cancer and heart disease.
If people can get together on such
projects, is it not possible that we could then go on to a full-scale cooperative program of Science for Peace? We have as a guide and inspiration the success of our Atoms-for-Peace proposal, which in only a few years, under United Nations auspices,
became a reality in the International Atomic Energy Agency.
A program of Science for Peace might provide a means of funneling into one place the results of research from scientists everywhere and from there making it available to all parts of the world
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1958 State of the Union message
Jan 9, 1958
On Homeland Security:
Safety through strength, but lay foundations of real peace
[The US should] ensure our safety through strength. We now have a broadly based and efficient defensive strength, including a great deterrent power, which is, for the present, our main guarantee against war; but, unless we act wisely and promptly, we
could lose that capacity to deter attack or defend ourselves.My profoundest conviction is that the American people will say, as one man: No matter what the exertions or sacrifices, we shall maintain that necessary strength!
But we could make no more
tragic mistake than merely to concentrate on military strength. For if we did only this, the future would hold nothing for the world but an Age of Terror. We must never become so preoccupied with our desire for military strength that we neglect those
areas of economic development, trade, diplomacy, education, ideas and principles where the foundations of real peace must be laid.
The threat to our safety, and to the hope of a peaceful world, can be simply stated. It is communist imperialism.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1958 State of the Union message
Jan 9, 1958
On War & Peace:
Soviets are waging total Cold War; build even more missiles
What makes the Soviet threat unique in history is its all-inclusiveness. Every human activity is pressed into service as a weapon of expansion. Trade, economic development, military power, arts, science, education, the whole world of ideas--all are
harnessed to this same chariot of expansion. The Soviets are, in short, waging total cold war.The only answer to a regime that wages total cold war is to wage total peace. This means bringing to bear every asset of our personal and national lives upon
the task of building the conditions in which security and peace can grow.
Only a brief time back, we were spending at the rate of only about $1 million dollars a year on long range ballistic missiles. In 1957 we spent more than $1 billion on the Arias,
Titan, Thor, Jupiter, and Polaris programs alone. But gratifying though this rate of progress is, we must still do more! Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1958 State of the Union message
Jan 9, 1958
On Education:
Establish recognizable standards for teachers and teaching
Consider our schools, operated under the authority of local communities and states. In their capacity and in their quality they conform to no recognizable standards. In some places facilities are ample, in others meager. Pay of teachers ranges between
wide limits, from the adequate to the shameful. As would be expected, quality of teaching varies just as widely. But to our teachers we commit the most valuable possession of the nation and of the family--our children.We must have teachers of
competence. To obtain and hold them we need standards. We need a National Goal. Once established I am certain that public opinion would compel steady progress toward its accomplishment.
Such studies would be helpful, I believe, to government
at all levels and to all individuals. The goals so established could help us see our current needs in perspective. They will spur progress.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1959 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1959
On Principles & Values:
America is best described by one word: freedom
America is best described by one word: freedom. If we hope to strengthen freedom in the world we must be ever mindful of how our own conduct reacts elsewhere. No nation has ever been so floodlighted by world opinion as the United States is today.
Everything we do is carefully scrutinized by other peoples throughout the world. The bad is seen along with the good.Because we are human we err. But as free men we are also responsible for correcting the errors and imperfections of our ways.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1959 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1959
On Technology:
Overcame 1958 recession without hasty public works projects
The material foundation of our national safety is a strong and expanding economy. This we have--and this we must maintain. Only with such an economy can we be secure and simultaneously provide for the well-being of our people.A year ago the nation was
experiencing a decline in employment and output. Today that recession is fading into history, and this without gigantic, hastily-improvised public works projects or untimely tax reductions. A healthy and vigorous recovery has been under way since last
May. New homes are being built at the highest rate in several years. Retail sales are at peak levels. Personal income is at an all-time high.
The marked forward thrust of our economy reaffirms our confidence in competitive enterprise. But--clearly--wisdom and prudence in both the public and private sectors of the economy are always necessary.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1959 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1959
On Education:
Antarctica Treaty: free and cooperative scientific research
There is one instance where our initiative for peace has recently been successful. A multi-lateral treaty signed last month provides for the exclusively peaceful use of Antarctica, assured by a system of inspection.
It provides for free and cooperative scientific research in that continent, and prohibits nuclear explosions there pending general international agreement on the subject.
The Treaty is a significant contribution toward peace, international cooperation, and the advancement of science. I shall transmit its text to the Senate for consideration and approval in the near future.
The United States is always ready to participate with the Soviet Union in serious discussion of these or any other subjects that may lead to peace with justice.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1960 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1960
On Principles & Values:
US became great by principles in our religious philosophy
America did not become great through softness and self-indulgence. Her miraculous progress and achievements flow from other qualities far more worthy and substantial:- adherence to principles and methods consonant with our religious philosophy
- a satisfaction in hard work
- the readiness to sacrifice for worthwhile causes
- the courage to meet every challenge to her progress
- the intellectual honesty and capacity to recognize the true path of her own best interests.
To us and to every nation of the Free World, rich or poor, these qualities are necessary today as never before if we are to march together to greater
security, prosperity and peace. I believe the industrial countries are ready to participate actively in supplementing the efforts of the developing countries to achieve progress.
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1960 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1960
On Technology:
Space exploration need not integrate with defense research
Our effort in space exploration is often mistakenly supposed to be an integral part of defense research and development.- America has made great contributions to the world's fund of knowledge of astrophysics and space science. These discoveries are
of present interest chiefly to the scientific community; but they are important foundation-stones for more extensive exploration of outer space.
- Our military missile program does not suffer from our present lack of very large rocket engines, which are
so necessary in distant space exploration. The thrust of our present missiles is fully adequate for defense requirements.
- The US is pressing forward in the development of large rocket engines to place much heavier vehicles into space for exploration
purposes.
- In the meantime, it is necessary to remember that we have only begun to probe the environment immediately surrounding the earth.
- We have just completed a year's experience with our new space law [which needs modification].
Source: Pres. Eisenhower's 1960 State of the Union message
Jan 7, 1960
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2019